Ladder.



AIP. BUYER.

LADDER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 28. 1909.

1,007,327, Patented Oct. 31, 1911.

ALLEN P. BOYER, 0F GOSHEN, INDIANA.

LADDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 31, 1911.

Application filed June 28, 1909. Serial No. 504,755.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALLEN P. BOYER, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of Goshen, county of Elkhart, State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ladders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in ladders.

The main objects of my invention are to provide an improved adjustable ladder adapted to be adjusted as a step ladder or as an extension ladder which is simple in structure and very strong and rigid when adjusted to form a ladder of either type.

-An object of this invention is also to provide an effective step ladder which may also be used as an extension ladder, in which the support of the ladder in either position has three points of contact.

A still further object is to provide an effective combined step and extension ladder in which the prop portion, which is provided with rungs, is brought to a point to secure a three point support for the ladder as a step ladder and also to afford a pointed ladder when the same is used as an extension ladder.

A further object is to provide an effective joint between the prop and the main part of the ladder, which can be rigidly and effectively secured in the extended position.

It makes a ladder which is very efiective for farmers use, as the ladder can be used as a step ladder on the uneven ground under fruit trees, and where it is desired to go up into the branches of the tree, the pointed support readily enters between crotches, and affords a secure position for the ladder in that way.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details will definitely appear from the detailed description to follo I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.

The structure described constitutes one effective embodiment of my invention. Other embodiments would be readily devised by those skilled in the art.

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure constituting an effective and preferred embodiment of the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accomladder consists of a main section 1 and an adjustable section 2. Each section consists of suitable side bars provided with suitable steps or rungs. At the upper ends of the side bars of the main section 1 are rearwardly-projecting cross pieces 3 on which is secured the top board or shelf 4. The adjustable section 2 is secured by the pivots 5 to the bracket-like hinge members, consisting of rearwardly-projecting rigid arms 6 on the side bars of the main section and a downwardly and rearwardly projecting arm 7 on the cross pieces 3. These arms projeot rearwardly and downwardly, thus serving as a brace and support for the arms 6, the pivots 5 being arranged through both the arms 6 and 7.

The adjustable section is formed by put ting the sides together at the bottom at a single point and securing the sides together by a series of rungs and a suitable rivet, bolt or nail at the bottom. This provides a step ladder which has three points of contact with the ground, and when the adjustable section is secured in the extended posi tion it also provides a ladder which has three points of contact and can thus be effectively supported. Its point can rest against the limb of a tree or will lie in a crotch between two branches, and secures the ladder very effectively in position, all of which, it is readily understood, is very desirable in a fruit ladder.

The top board 4 is notched or cut away at its rear corners, as 8, to receive the side bars of the adjustable section when the same is in its extended position, thus bracing and supporting the same, the notches being so formed as to permit the side bars being engaged by the cross pieces 3. This forms a very rigid support for the adjustable section when it is in its extended position. At

the same time, the hinge brackets are light so that the ladder, when adjusted as an extension ladder, is not top heavy or out of balance. To hold the parts in their adjusted position when adjusted as an extension ladder, I provide a hook 9 which is engaged over one of the rungs and over the front of the shelf or top piece 4. See Fig. 2. This hook holds the adjustable section in its extended position so that the ladder can be handled the same as though the side bars were continuous.

My improved adjustable ladder is very simple and economical in structure and light in weight, and at the same time is strong and durable.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an adjustable ladder, the combination of a main section and an adjustable section, each comprising side bars and suitable steps or rungs, the adjustable section being adapted to be adjusted to form a strut or to form an extension for said main section; rearwardly-projecting cross pieces on the upper ends of the side bars of said main section; a top board arranged on said cross pieces; hinge members for said adjustable section, consisting of a pair of rearwardlyprojecting rigid arms on the side bars of said main section, and a pair of coacting downwardly and rearwardly projecting arms to which the side bars of said adjustable section are pivoted, said top board being notched at its rear corners to receive the said side bars of said adjustable section, when it is in its extended position, whereby it is braced and supported; and a hook on the rung of said adjustable section for securing the same in its extended position, adapted to engage over said top board.

2. In an adjustable ladder, the combination of a main section and an adjustable section, each comprising side bars and suitable steps or rungs, the adjustable section being adapted to be adjusted to form a strut or to form an extension for said main section; rearwardly-projecting cross pieces on the upper ends of the side bars of said main section; a top board arranged on said cross pieces; and hinge members for said adjustable section, consisting of a pair of rearwardly-projecting rigid arms on the side bars of said main section, and a pair of coacting downwardly and rearwardly projecting arms to which the side bars of said adjustable section are pivoted, said top board being notched at its rear corners to receive the said side bars of said adjustable section when it is in its extended position, whereby it is braced and supported.

3. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of the main section, provided with suitable steps, the adjustable section provided with suitable rungs; rearwardly-extending brackets on the main section to which the adjustable section is pivoted, the top step of the said ladder being notched to receive the adjustable section, the side pieces of the adjustable section being brought together at a point at the bottom end in the step ladder, whereby a pointed extension ladder is formed when the ladder is extended.

4. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of a main section, an adjustable section hinged thereto which serves as a ladder extension and also as a prop, the bottom end of which is closed together in a point to form a single point of support when the ladder is used as a step ladder, and to form a pointed extension ladder when the ladder is extended; a hinge between the said members; a hook adapted to engage a rung on the adjustable section and to spring over the top step of the main section to hold the parts rigidly in position, as specified.-

5. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of a main section, an adjustable section hinged thereto which serves as a ladder extension and also as a prop; a hinge between the said members; a hook pivoted on a rung on the adjustable section and arranged to spring over the top step of the main section engaging the front thereof to hold the parts rigidly in "position, as specified.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

ALLEN I. BUYER. [11. s] WVitnesses I Jnssn C. RUMMEL, GAL A. FoRNEY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

